GAME REPORT

Sparta&K Strength In Depth Downs Brno

Isabelle Yacoubou claimed a 11-point, 10-rebound double-double in 21 minutes on the floor

Sparta&K M.R. Vidnoje moved back to the summit of EuroLeague Women Group A after completing a ruthless 83-51 demolition of BK Imos Brno on the road to secure their eighth win in ten games.

The sheer strength in depth of Sparta&K provided the main thrust for the victory, with head coach Pokey Chatman able to rely on 27 points from her bench players.

Sparta&K entered the court with a bad taste in their mouths having been blown out in the Russian Cup Final by arch rivals UMMC Ekaterinburg, so it was imperative they got back to business and winning ways.

And, they did so in emphatic fashion after an extraordinary second quarter when they managed to limit Brno to just three points during the entire period.

This gave Sparta&K a 43-23 cushion at the midway point of the game and whilst both teams laboured from behind the three-point line, the visitors had too much power in the paint, managing to shoot over 57% inside.

A 14-4 run either side of the third and fourth quarter break underlined the gulf in class as Sparta&K eventually cruised over the finishing line.

There were a bunch of strong performances from the winning team, with French national team centre Isabelle Yacoubou claiming 11 points and 10 rebounds, whilst Nicole Ohlde was the only player to excel for Brno with 19 points.

COACH QUOTES

Quotes BK IMOS Brno vs. Sparta&K M.R. Vidnoje

Brno coach Jan Bobrovsky:"In the first quarter we showed a good performance. I would have liked that we played like this all season. We played disciplined in defense and on offense. In the second half, Sparta&K showed their strength; they have much more quality players."

Brno player Alena Hanusova:"We started very well in defence and we also shot well. We defended the pivots of our rival well. Sparta&K has a very strong team. Gradually we ran out of power. Sparta&K improved their shooting and played better on defense. They were more aggressive under the basket, and we no longer had a chance."

Sparta&K head coach Pokey Chatman:"Brno can be a dangerous team. I have told our players we have to make sure that we get a better start. We came into this game with a determination to play good defense. We played very well in the second quarter. We played more aggressively. Our defence had a high level. On the other hand our transition offense was good. I am very satisfied with our victory."

Sparta&K player Natalia Vieru:"In the first quarter, we could not find ourselves. Our teamwork was poor and lacked accuracy of shooting. In the second quarter we improved our performance. We played better and more aggressively in defense and improved our shooting. As we began to play as a team, our performance was much better. We were more powerful in rebounds. It was a good result."